The Psychologist Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
> The Psychologist Recap
Da Fang expressed her wish for her husband, Song, to spend more time with her. Song, wiping her tears, agreed to be more honest and open in their relationship moving forward, noting how good that would be. He Dun observed that their communication had become destructive.
She explained that true, healthy family relationships allow both parties their own independent space, urging Da Fang to believe in her ability to be independent from her partner, which would clarify her personal growth goals. Da Fang took this to heart, stating she needed her own life. Song quickly interjected that he would not agree to a divorce, to which Da Fang jokingly replied that she hadn't mentioned divorcing him.
The next morning, a nurse brought a new brain therapeutic apparatus, explaining it meant Fu Tang wouldn't need to go to the counseling room anymore. As Fu Tang put on the device, she was triggered by memories of Ye Jicheng forcing similar treatments on her against her will. Despite her desperate struggles and pleas, Ye Jicheng insisted the treatment would help her forget unhappy things. The nurse, witnessing Fu Tang's intense distress, stopped the apparatus and reassured her.
Fu Tang then recalled Professor Ji eventually finding her, apologizing for being late, and taking her away from the facility. He Dun, Ye Jiahui, and Qian Kaiyi learned about the apparatus incident from the nurse. They discussed that such a device, designed to soothe emotions, should be very safe, making Fu Tang's violent stress reaction concerning. The nurse confirmed that other patients had experienced milder symptoms like headaches and dizziness, which had previously been overlooked.
Qian Kaiyi concluded that the apparatus was faulty. They examined the aRMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Device and its manual, learning it was a new model that, if approved, would be widely promoted across various hospitals. He Dun noted the irony that a device with the Psychological Society's endorsement could be problematic. She decided to seek verification from Wen Liang, the newly appointed president of the Psychological Society, as Professor Ji was no longer involved.
Meanwhile, at Lili's mother's shop, thugs arrived demanding money, pressuring Lili's mother to sign a new loan agreement with her handprint. Lili intervened, arguing with the thugs and slapping one of them. They retaliated with sticks, but Officer Jin arrived in time to disperse them. Lili, embarrassed by her appearance, tried to send Jin away, but he insisted on staying, stating he accepted everything about her.
He declared his intention to marry her, explaining that he had done some serious soul-searching and missed her terribly while he was away on a mission, which was also how he sustained his injuries. He then explained that he found her because, due to her past interactions with the police, she was now classified as a "key object of protection." He Dun met with Wen Liang to discuss the faulty apparatus, asking the Society to release its safety data.
Wen Liang initially suggested that the patient's condition should be the focus of the investigation, rather than the device itself. He Dun countered that patient health had been thoroughly checked and ruled out, emphasizing the unusual occurrence of multiple adverse reactions in a small area. Wen Liang agreed to investigate the technical specifications but expressed doubts about finding issues, promising to take responsibility if any were found. She thanked He Dun for bringing the matter to her attention so promptly.
Later, He Dun reflected on Wen Liang's comments with Qian Kaiyi, particularly how Wen Liang seemed to know her patient was in a sanatorium and used the phrase "you guys" while looking away from He Dun. Qian Kaiyi speculated that Wen Liang must visit sanatoriums frequently to speak of them so casually.
He Dun deduced that Wen Liang must have seen her and Ye Jiahui at the sanatorium, as it would be unprofessional for a psychologist to bring friends to see patients. Concurrently, Ye Niantang received numerous complaint reports regarding the therapeutic apparatus's poor performance. He angrily dismissed the issues as typical machine failures and instructed his staff to recall the devices and offer compensation. When told that compensation had been rejected, he demanded a higher offer before dismissing his staff.
Wen Liang then arrived, informing Ye Niantang about the problems with the apparatus at the sanatorium He Dun was visiting, and questioning if he feared the consequences. Ye Niantang, confident in his technology, realized from Wen Liang's words that Fu Tang had been located. He immediately rushed to the hospital where Fu Tang was staying, attempting to force his way into her room despite being past visiting hours. He found the room empty.
In a flashback, a young Ye Jiahui pleaded with Fu Tang not to leave, as Ye Jicheng tried to persuade her to eat. Fu Tang revealed that Ye Jiahui was Professor Ji's child. In the present, Ye Jiahui took Fu Tang to the seaside. Fu Tang shared her profound love for the sea, seeing it as the beginning of life and a symbol of freedom, often imagining herself there while in the sanatorium.
When her wheelchair became stuck in the sand, Ye Jiahui carried her on his back. She then spoke of Professor Ji, explaining how her traditional parents considered her abnormal, leading her to believe she needed treatment. It was Professor Ji's appearance that made her realize that eccentricity was normal, and that societal standards of normalcy were subjective.
She admitted that her love for Professor Ji was the reason she left Ye Jicheng, feeling a deep sense of indebtedness to him, whose "madness," she believed, was partly fueled by his obsession with her. She also revealed that she always knew Ye Niantang was searching for her. Fu Tang then held Ye Jiahui's hand, telling him that although she gave him life, he belonged only to himself.
She urged him to shed all suppression and restraints, to create his own world, and to live a life as free as the heavens and the sea—a freedom she had always yearned for. Ye Jiahui, deeply moved, embraced his mother. Suddenly, Fu Tang expressed a strong craving for candy. Despite her health, Ye Jiahui went to buy some for her. When he looked back, Fu Tang had vanished. Panicked, he plunged into the sea and found his mother unconscious.
Ye Jiahui pulled her to shore, pleading for her to wake up. Fortunately, she received timely medical attention and quickly regained consciousness. He Dun reflected on Fu Tang's life—a life of apparent freedom yet marked by immense suffering, repeatedly enduring wrong treatments, all because love was her sole inner tether. He Dun hoped that this reunion with Ye Jiahui would grant Fu Tang a new beginning.
She thought of her many visitors, all grappling with the same questions of "why me" and "why now," feeling confused, heartbroken, angry, fearful, and resentful. He Dun realized that as a psychological counselor, her role was not to provide definitive answers but to walk alongside them in their search for understanding, helping them see, comprehend, accept, and ultimately change themselves. She wished for everyone to find the courage to confront their inner selves. Many of her clients expressed heartfelt gratitude for her support. That night, amidst a torrential downpour, He Dun boarded a bus. During the journey, the bus suddenly braked sharply.
